A Couple of Announcements

Well, 3 announcements I think. First is the announcement that in March I'll be heading south to Malibu, California for a journaling class here (the classroom has a view of the ocean!). My friend Gina is sponsoring this gathering and I'm really looking forward to meeting new and old friends there and enjoying the beautiful setting. Gina proposed this idea right after Journalfest and I quickly agreed. Journaling for me is the foundation for all I do; art, manifesting dreams, keeping my spirits high through disappointment, staying focused, developing ideas and trying new techniques. With two days to delve deeply into the subject I expect to be able to pass along many of my discoveries to you.

My Thanksgiving was perfect. I'm filled with gratitude to have good eyes, a voice with which to communicate and a healthy body after so many years on the planet. I have always felt driven by something; time I suppose, time that is short and will run out for me eventually. But until it does I am deeply, deeply grateful.

Here is the indian corn John grew this year, removed from the cobs and gently boiled in cal (slaked lime). It is a process discovered by native peoples in central mexico and called nixtamalization.

Isn't it beautiful? And tastes so amazing. Like corn nuts - a powerful beautiful flavor. I learned about slaked lime when I was doing research for the plaster book. More on that in a moment.

Here are some of the fat squash harvested from the garden. I need to get out and get more pictures for you. We've had our killing frost now (and even some snow) so the garden has been put to bed for the winter. Sleeping under a soft covering of thankful prayers for its recent bounty.

And since winter slipped in early on us and our weather is supposed to be good for the next little while I've decided to have the January wax class on the weekend of Dec. 11-12. There are 2 spots left and the information is here if you would like to join us. It will be March or April before I have the next wax class so this will be your last chance for an early Christmas present.

Here are a couple of waxy samples left in the studio following the most recent wax class here. Yummy yummy wax.

Last but certainly not least my editor has given me permission to unveil the cover of the book (THE BOOK!!!!!!) Plaster Studio. Amazon doesn't have a picture of the cover yet but I do and here it is.

And now to go and prepare the studio for a house guest. My strategy this winter is not to get too lonely or isolated. I find that can be very depressing. It's such a balancing act to have quiet time to work and yet to stay connected to others. Maybe this winter I'll finally get it right.

xo